The Chief of the Defence Staff General Sir David Richards attended the special event at the Mayor's Parlour at Portsmouth Guildhall, Hampshire, to award Cdr Grenfell.

Sir David said: "It's a very, very special day for all of us in the armed forces but especially for a small group who are still with us who did some very special things way back in the Second World War.

They gave him a tour around the vessel, showing him where ice was cleared from the deck in perilous circumstances.

David Cameron meeting with veterans Credit: ITV News

Mr Cameron said: "They are heroes and I think it's just so right that we are honouring them today for their incredible service 70 years ago, and I'm really proud as Prime Minister to have set up that review, to make that decision and to get them that medal they so richly deserve.

The government's plans to award veterans of the Arctic convoys campaign medals comes after years of campaigning. Servicemen past and present as well as local politicians had been locked in a battle to get those who served on the convoys recognition for their bravery during the second world war.

Living veterans and widows will be the first in line to receive the new medals. Production of the accolades is due to get underway soon.